Congratulations to all senior band members who have participated in the highly successful section competition (or so i heard) and to the newbies who have performed in 'my first recital'! It's good to see such high spirits in the Band...
Just a small note, NAFA Wind Band will be presenting Terrence Wong's Threnody and some other pieces like A Movement for Rosa and Symphonietta 2 by Philip Sparke. Also includes some pieces by the NAFA Brass Ensemble. Admission is free, 12.30 pm @ NAFA Campus 3, This Wednesday (3rd Sept)
Since its e holidays, might as well come down to watch a free concert of aspiring Wind and Percussion musicians! Do come if free!
Also, enjoy your holidays :P
Wednesday, 27 August 2008
Sunday, 17 August 2008
IMPORTANT!!Section COmpetition stuff
All SLs and senior section members, please do a short writeup on what your section is presenting next friday. THIS IS OF HIGH IMPORTANCE, as the emcees (me and yuchen) have to condense everything to finalise our script.
NO NEED FOR YOU TO WORRY YOUR MAMA'S HEAD OFF THAT YOUR SECTION SECRET WILL BE REVEALED.
IF YOU ARE REALLY GOOD, YOU NEED NOT FEAR!!!.
Please get it done tonight or by tomorrow band. 2mrw during band, I will request all SLs to stay back before sectionals to pass me the short writeup on what your section if doing. Just 20 words max. Don't have to reveal too much. Just do a brief one.
PLEASE GET IT DONE....THANK YOU!!!!
Qin En
NO NEED FOR YOU TO WORRY YOUR MAMA'S HEAD OFF THAT YOUR SECTION SECRET WILL BE REVEALED.
IF YOU ARE REALLY GOOD, YOU NEED NOT FEAR!!!.
Please get it done tonight or by tomorrow band. 2mrw during band, I will request all SLs to stay back before sectionals to pass me the short writeup on what your section if doing. Just 20 words max. Don't have to reveal too much. Just do a brief one.
PLEASE GET IT DONE....THANK YOU!!!!
Qin En
~A teenager's view of Heaven~
Hi Guys!
I found this particularly interesting (fiction) story on the net. I have no idea whether you have read it or not, but I am just going to post it up for everyone to see. =)
PS: It's not sick/PG 13..
PPS: This is not propaganda.
A TEENAGER'S VIEW OF HEAVEN
17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a class. The subject was what Heaven was like.
Brian's Essay: The Room...
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read 'Girls I have liked.' I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was.
This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.
A file named 'Friends' was next to one marked 'Friends I have betrayed.' The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird 'Books I Have Read,' 'Lies I Have Told,' 'Comfort I have Given,' 'Jokes I Have Laughed at .' Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: 'Things I've yelled at my brothers.' Others I couldn't laugh at: 'Things I Have Done in My Anger', 'Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents.' I never ceased to be surprised by the contents.
Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.
When I pulled out the file marked 'TV Shows I have watched', I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.
When I came to a file marked 'Lustful Thoughts,' I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content.
I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!' In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it.
Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.
And then I saw it.. The title bore 'People I Have Shared the Gospel With.' The handle was brighter than those around it,seemed newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.
And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.
No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own.
He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.
Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. 'No!' I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was 'No, no,' as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side.
He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, 'It is finished.' I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.
'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.'-Phil. 4:13
'For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.' -John 3:16
PPPS: Er, you may not have noticed, but I added a recording of Jericho on the blog. All you have to do is just to raise up the volume. =D
I found this particularly interesting (fiction) story on the net. I have no idea whether you have read it or not, but I am just going to post it up for everyone to see. =)
PS: It's not sick/PG 13..
PPS: This is not propaganda.
A TEENAGER'S VIEW OF HEAVEN
17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a class. The subject was what Heaven was like.
Brian's Essay: The Room...
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read 'Girls I have liked.' I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was.
This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.
A file named 'Friends' was next to one marked 'Friends I have betrayed.' The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird 'Books I Have Read,' 'Lies I Have Told,' 'Comfort I have Given,' 'Jokes I Have Laughed at .' Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: 'Things I've yelled at my brothers.' Others I couldn't laugh at: 'Things I Have Done in My Anger', 'Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents.' I never ceased to be surprised by the contents.
Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.
When I pulled out the file marked 'TV Shows I have watched', I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.
When I came to a file marked 'Lustful Thoughts,' I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content.
I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!' In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it.
Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.
And then I saw it.. The title bore 'People I Have Shared the Gospel With.' The handle was brighter than those around it,seemed newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.
And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.
No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own.
He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.
Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. 'No!' I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was 'No, no,' as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side.
He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, 'It is finished.' I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.
'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.'-Phil. 4:13
'For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.' -John 3:16
PPPS: Er, you may not have noticed, but I added a recording of Jericho on the blog. All you have to do is just to raise up the volume. =D
Thursday, 14 August 2008
Dear Band Members,
Some of you have requested to see a sample of the video of Aesthetique before deciding whether to buy it. Here's a watered-down quality for youtube version of a small portion...
Videos go at $10 each. Please give your names to Luke by tomorrow evening if you want to own a copy. To see the design of the DVD, ask the media department to show you.
Thanks.
Some of you have requested to see a sample of the video of Aesthetique before deciding whether to buy it. Here's a watered-down quality for youtube version of a small portion...
Videos go at $10 each. Please give your names to Luke by tomorrow evening if you want to own a copy. To see the design of the DVD, ask the media department to show you.
Thanks.
Sunday, 10 August 2008
Saturday, 9 August 2008
The Day.
The day where some of us are waiting for (especially me, because i finally get to listen to my piece...haha.) is here.
Here are all the audio tracks from the concert, Aesthetique 2008. The video is being processed and I am happy to say that it will be ready for distribution via the Media department by next this monday. Meanwhile, enjoy the (extra) fruits of your labour! XD
Oh Yes, Happy National Day!
Friday, 8 August 2008
National Day 2008 *WOOTS*
Yo People!
National Day is coming up! (Well, actually its tomorrow..)
So aren't you guys excited? Happy? Enthusiastic? Overjoyed? Off the roof?
I am sure none of you are, because I really doubt if there are even any patriots in our Band. (excluding the teachers, and Mr Tan). On the contrary, if you are, then good for you! Tomorrow, on the 9th August, the whole of Singapore will be celebrating our nation's 43rd birthday!
THREE CHEERS FOR SINGAPORE!!!
Anyway, while I was on my way to the library@esplanade today (with yue feng, yu chen and (CO) xuan ming), I noticed that not only was Yu Chen in red, all the other pedestrians are in red as well. And they are not just mere students from Primary or Secondary schools, but adults are wearing red and white too!
When we were at the City Hall MRT station, I was flabbergasted! All I saw was a sea of red and white. And I am not exaggerating! It was so spectacular, i wanted to fish out my digital camera and snap a picture at that instance. ( Sadly, I didn't bring my Digital Camera) Even foreigners are wearing red and white?
At that moment, a sense of pride was welling up in me. It was so, so, AWESOME, seeing fellow Singaporeans wearing red and white all at the same time! It was a sight to be remembered, and I will never forget it in my mind.
It was at that moment when I realised that, Singaporeans aren't that worse off as they say in the news, that we are un-patriotic to our own country. But that's absolutely not true. There is a still a sense of belonging in the people of Singapore.
Believe me or not, I, who once thought that National Day was just a waste of time, was really looking forward to tomorrow's celebration. National Day marks the day of our independence, and we really should be proud of it!
So, I hope you guys will be anticipating in tremendous excitement for the upcoming National Day's performance. And I hope you guys will enjoy it as well!
Because I know I am going to! =P
National Day is coming up! (Well, actually its tomorrow..)
So aren't you guys excited? Happy? Enthusiastic? Overjoyed? Off the roof?
I am sure none of you are, because I really doubt if there are even any patriots in our Band. (excluding the teachers, and Mr Tan). On the contrary, if you are, then good for you! Tomorrow, on the 9th August, the whole of Singapore will be celebrating our nation's 43rd birthday!
THREE CHEERS FOR SINGAPORE!!!
Anyway, while I was on my way to the library@esplanade today (with yue feng, yu chen and (CO) xuan ming), I noticed that not only was Yu Chen in red, all the other pedestrians are in red as well. And they are not just mere students from Primary or Secondary schools, but adults are wearing red and white too!
When we were at the City Hall MRT station, I was flabbergasted! All I saw was a sea of red and white. And I am not exaggerating! It was so spectacular, i wanted to fish out my digital camera and snap a picture at that instance. ( Sadly, I didn't bring my Digital Camera) Even foreigners are wearing red and white?
At that moment, a sense of pride was welling up in me. It was so, so, AWESOME, seeing fellow Singaporeans wearing red and white all at the same time! It was a sight to be remembered, and I will never forget it in my mind.
It was at that moment when I realised that, Singaporeans aren't that worse off as they say in the news, that we are un-patriotic to our own country. But that's absolutely not true. There is a still a sense of belonging in the people of Singapore.
Believe me or not, I, who once thought that National Day was just a waste of time, was really looking forward to tomorrow's celebration. National Day marks the day of our independence, and we really should be proud of it!
So, I hope you guys will be anticipating in tremendous excitement for the upcoming National Day's performance. And I hope you guys will enjoy it as well!
Because I know I am going to! =P
Saturday, 2 August 2008
Attendance
I'm sure everyone who came on Friday already knows this.
The attendance was horrible. Like some undigested lump of something in the bowl after you've had a dump.
Sure, it was after exams. Everyone is thinking (especially those that didn't come) that there shouldn't have been band; they should have been allowed to take a break, like run off to watch a movie or something. The fact is, there WAS band, and it was the first practice after the exams with Mr. Tan.
The people that didn't come obviously do not have the discipline that is required of them, nor do they have the basic respect for the other members of the band, let alone Mr. Tan. If the rest could fight temptations and turn up, punctually or not, why should those that didn't come be allowed to do so? All thanks to them, the practice wasn't fruitful, morale was low, and Mr. Tan's didn't have his usual sunflower face on.
Monday's sectionals; section leaders are reminded to make sure your members come down for practice. And if any member thinks he can weasel out of it just because his SL closes an eye or two, then he can think again, knock his head on a wall, then walk back to the band room.
Band practice is relaxing, so just have an open mindset and stop trying to avoid it. All it requires is for you to sit down and make good music- or at least try to- in a comfortable air-conditioned room. It is not something tiring like 2.4 or physical training. So if someone tries to pon band, we'll take the hint. Next time he turns up, he won't be practising, he'll be having extremely constructive physical training in a nice and comfy field. Don't make the leaders resort to that.
It's really up to you.
The attendance was horrible. Like some undigested lump of something in the bowl after you've had a dump.
Sure, it was after exams. Everyone is thinking (especially those that didn't come) that there shouldn't have been band; they should have been allowed to take a break, like run off to watch a movie or something. The fact is, there WAS band, and it was the first practice after the exams with Mr. Tan.
The people that didn't come obviously do not have the discipline that is required of them, nor do they have the basic respect for the other members of the band, let alone Mr. Tan. If the rest could fight temptations and turn up, punctually or not, why should those that didn't come be allowed to do so? All thanks to them, the practice wasn't fruitful, morale was low, and Mr. Tan's didn't have his usual sunflower face on.
Monday's sectionals; section leaders are reminded to make sure your members come down for practice. And if any member thinks he can weasel out of it just because his SL closes an eye or two, then he can think again, knock his head on a wall, then walk back to the band room.
Band practice is relaxing, so just have an open mindset and stop trying to avoid it. All it requires is for you to sit down and make good music- or at least try to- in a comfortable air-conditioned room. It is not something tiring like 2.4 or physical training. So if someone tries to pon band, we'll take the hint. Next time he turns up, he won't be practising, he'll be having extremely constructive physical training in a nice and comfy field. Don't make the leaders resort to that.
It's really up to you.
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